Life_Styles_Inventory_(Lsi)

LSI Personal thinking Styles Figure 1, the Life Styles Inventory (LSI), as shown below, depicts my highest score as competitive with a percentile of 99%. Surprisingly, didn’t expect that characteristic to be my highest score but however I am a very competitive person but normally in sports or activities and not in my jobs. Nonetheless, this style is characterized by focusing more on winning than excellence performance which is untrue of my performance at work since my focus is on performing at the highest level of my ability than winning. It’s also characterized by being the center of attention which is even more untrue of my personal or professional life. Additionally, the jobs that I’ve enjoyed the most have been in administrative which requires no competitiveness at all. Conventional is my backup thinking style with a 96% percentile. This style was somewhat surprising as well since this style is characterized by being a stickler to rules, which I am but it doesn’t hinder my creativity or ideas. With the companies that I’ve worked for, have been able to communicate my ideas or creativity; sometimes it has been adopted by the company and others may have not but I’ve been able to have a voice within the company which is important to me in an organization. However, not a risk taker in neither my personal or professional life so this styles does fit me to a certain extent. The next two thinking styles were tied with a 93 percentile, humanistic-encouraging and afflictive which characterizes me more than the other two. Humanistic-encouraging is characterized by seeing the good in everyone, being a good listener, having a genuine concern for others, and believing that I can help improve, guide or support someone’s efforts. This describes me perfectly in both my professional and personal life. For instance, enjoyed working as an Office Automation Assistant for the EEOC because I allowed the customers to vent their problems, found solutions to their problems and it also gave me a sense of actualization when I was able to help someone by answering questions, directing them to the correct business if we couldn’t help them, or just allowing them to have someone to talk to. The afflictive thinking style is essentially characterized by being a friendly person who enjoys people and can establish a personal or professional relationship with people who interest me. And yes that characterizes me to a perfect fit except I don’t establish too many personal or professional relationships but currently working to improve that. For example despite my last job ending, still in contact with the staff that I’ve developed a relationship with during that time. Additionally, this thinking style is characterized by improving or maintaining relationships that are important to me and that is very true in my personal life. Impact on Management Style Planning, organizing, leading, and controlling are the four basic functions of management. Haven’t been in a managerial role but I’m looking forward to being in a managerial position. Additionally, being a leader will increase my skills; therefore, leading to running my own business which I plan to start in the next 10-15 years. Planning is essential for a managerial position and I am strong at planning. For instance, didn’t know what to expect day to day at the EEOC, always planned my duties for the day and about always completed them daily. Furthermore, if I couldn’t complete all the tasks daily, completed the more important tasks first; usually always completed the more important tasks first. For example, after the Charging Party signs the Charge of Discrimination; the EEOC have 10 days to serve the Respondent with the appropriate papers. Therefore, those days when I’m extremely hectic, make sure first and foremost that I haven’t past the 10 day deadline and also check my calendar to verify that all my mediation confirmation letters are mailed or e-mailed out within at least a month’s time frame. In addition, planning is essential for a great team leader. Organizing and planning go hand in hand since a good leader has to plan in order be organized. I enjoying do both, planning and organizing; need organization and structure to function properly; loathe chaos, can’t function to my highest ability in it but if I must, will get the job done. For instance, while working at the EEOC, if your work wasn’t organized; you couldn’t function since some tasks were interdependent on others. For example, while preparing charges to serve to the Respondents had to have several papers to mail to them and you couldn’t mail one without the other. If one of the papers were missing, had to be done again so organizing is essential not only for leaders but also effective subordinates. Leading goes synonymous with my thinking style of humanistic-encouraging since it inspires subordinates to think and take responsibility for them. Also, leaders with this style show good faith to their subordinates and as a result, the subordinates develop and show respect for such leaders. I feel like I would be a great leader because of my thinking style but also because I would lead by example which most managers don’t do anymore. From my experiences, subordinates work harder and respect leaders who lead by example, isn’t too good to get their hand dirty. Control is an issue that I have to deal with daily in personal life daily since I am a control freak. Like to have everything done how I want it done and when I want it done, but as a leader understanding that control is a privilege that should not be abused in which most managers’ abuse daily. As a result, subordinates don’t respect such managers. However, with my afflictive thinking, I’m well liked by my subordinates since I have a genuine concern for them and their needs. In other words, no control issue as a leader just concerned well the well-being of my subordinates. Genesis of Personal Styles How did I develop my personal styles that were revealed in my LSI' As stated earlier, wasn’t as accurate that I think I am but it did make me re-think my personal styles. The main contributor for my personal style is my family. We are caring and have a genuine concern for others, that’s why my humanistic-encouraging style complements me the best. For instance, didn’t want to attend College after High School but my family encouraged me to pursue higher education right after High School instead of waiting because they felt like most people that wait don’t attend or complete College. My job at Albany State University also shaped my thinking style to a certain extent as well. Worked for Albany State University for about two years in clerical and tutoring but the work environment was very encouraging. If I were having any problems, could talk to my supervisor since we had an open relationship. Additionally, she encouraged me to pursue higher education and also even helped me decide on my major as an undergraduate student. Therefore, that was a great environment that not only encouraged me but inspired me to reach for the stars. Conclusion & Reflection In conclusion, found several surprises in my thinking styles; however just made me re-evaluate my way of thinking. Also, the humanistic-encouraging thinking style is the best style that complements me the best since I do see the best and want the best for everyone. Hoping to learn more about different leadership styles so I can become an effective leader when given the opportunity and everything else that Gm 591 has to offer not only to enhance my leadership skills but also my personal skills too. [pic]Figure 1